Day Two At Home

John W. said Thursday that Dan will gain strength each day.  That is TRUE!  Today, Dan did 2 things he had not been able to do for weeks – he moved his right leg, AND turned himself over in bed by himself!  Praise God!!!

Several friends have asked us, “What makes you different?”  Perhaps this story will help you understand us better:  “NO ONE HAS GREATER LOVE – NO ONE HAS SHOWN STRONGER AFFECTION – THAN
 TO LAY DOWN (GIVE UP) HIS OWN LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS.” John 15:13

One day a while back, a man, his heart heavy with grief, was walking in the woods. As he thought about his life, he knew many things were not right. He thought about those who had lied about him…
  
His thoughts turned to those who had stolen his  things and cheated him. He remembered family that had hurt him. His mind turned to the illness he had, that no one could cure. His very soul was filled with anger, resentment, and frustration.
  

Standing there this day, searching for answers he could not find, knowing all else had failed him, he knelt at the base of an old oak tree to seek the one he knew would always be there. With tears in his eyes, he prayed:
  
‘Lord – You have done wonderful things for me in this life. You have told me to do many things for you, and I happily obeyed. Today, you have told me to forgive.. I am sad, Lord, because I can’t, I don’t know how. It is not fair Lord, I didn’t deserve these wrongs that were done against me. As perfect as your way is Lord, this one thing I cannot do. My anger is so deep Lord. I pray you teach me to forgive.
  
Kneeling there in the quiet shade of that old oak tree, he felt something fall onto his shoulder. He opened his eyes. Out of the corner of one eye, he saw something red on his shirt. Where the oak tree had been was a tall, rough piece of wood in the ground. He raised his head and saw two feet held to the wood with a large spike through them.

As he raised his head more, tears came to his eyes as he saw Jesus hanging on a cross…spikes in His hands, a gash in His side, a torn and battered body, deep thorns sunk into His head. Finally he saw the suffering and pain on His precious face. As their eyes met, the man’s tears turned to sobbing, and Jesus began to speak.

‘Have you ever told a lie?’ He asked?  The man answered – ‘Yes, Lord.’

‘Have you ever taken something from work that wasn’t yours?’ Jesus asked.
And the man sobbed when he answered, ‘Yes, Lord.’

‘Have you ever sworn, using my Father’s name in vain?’
The man, crying more, answered – ‘Yes, Lord.’
 

As Jesus asked many more times, ‘Have you ever’? The man’s crying became uncontrollable, for he could only answer – ‘Yes, Lord.’
 

Then Jesus turned His head from one side to the other, and the man felt something fall on his other shoulder. He looked and saw that it was the blood of Jesus. When he looked back up, his eyes met those of Jesus. There was a look of love the man had never seen or known.

Jesus said, ‘I didn’t deserve this either, but I forgive you.’

When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you!  

We thank God that Jesus’ love helps us to keep growing.  — Anne and Dan

God Keeps Sending Angels

Dan is OK…if not being able to stand up, or turn over in bed without help is OK.  The first 24 hours back home were tough. Dan spent much of last night  in and out of bed.  Tonight, I want to share a few of the many messages that have lifted our weary hearts today — 

“Dear Anne and Dan, I am relieved to hear that you are at home with family because I think that being with your loving family will influence Dan’s mood and recovery in a good way. I have just read the blog and I liked Dottie’s remark….I also think that you are God’s favourites…I miss you very much. Bye, Z”

“We rejoice with you that Dan is recuperating enough to get back home. Each day Dan will become a little stronger. The lord knows how to heal–but from our perspective, this is very slow. Abundant Blessings, J and E”

“Dear Dan! We are so happy to know you are ok, you are happy to be surrounded by loving family again.You and Anne are so brave, after 3 major surgeries and 23 hospital days you continue to believe in God, in his work….You are hero from me, I love you very much and I would like to send my and my families appreciation. Big big hug and big kiss!!!  M, L, H”

“Dear Anne and Dan, We are so happy and thankful to God that Dan is at home, and is wanted by such a lovely family in such a lovely way. Also we are thankful to God that gives so much energy to Dan to walk, and give so much energy to Anne to watch and care Dan. We miss you very much! We keep you in our daily prayers. We are praying to God to help you through the best peoples who he knows.

I believe in  Guided Imagery, and I know that it will work.  My colleagues from the Red Cross and Pro Nobis are sending their love and prayers for you. Love and prayers, A & R”

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ….that we should be holy and blameless before Him.” Eph. 1:3-4. As Dr. Anna Griffith says in, In His Arms, ” This is very serious business.  What does it mean to you to be holy?” — Anne and Dan

Dan Is Back Home Now

We are thankful to God that Dan was allowed to leave the hospital today…after 23 days and 3 major surgeries.  The children made a huge banner with WELCOME HOME and lots of drawings on it which they hung from one of the huge redwood beans across the living room ceiling. He is so happy to be surrounded by loving family again.  Our first nursing job tonight was to find the leaks in the tape holding the wound vac sponge  in his body. When it has leaks, the machine sounds like a very slow popcorn machine. It can drive you crazy pretty fast!  I held the flashlight so Scott could find the leaks and correct the tape. 

Dan is very thin and weak, but he walks around the house assisted by his walker,”Texas Ranger.” (You know the TV show “Walker, Texas Ranger?”) He will have a Wound Vac RN come to the house 3 times a week to change the sponge in his pelvis and leg.  He will also have a Physical Therapist to help him regain good use of his body, and a Nurse’s Aide to help him bathe.

When we meet with Dr. T. Jahan next week, we will learn what the next step is to rid Dan’s body of the sarcomas still there.  Dan has a telephone appointment with Dr. O. Carl Simonton Thursday for further coaching on using Guided Imagery to help his immune system free Dan’s body of all cancer cells.  We are hopeful that God will see fit to allow Dan full recovery.  God is our Guide, our Healer.  We are tools in His holy hands. May we live so as to bring God’s Light wherever He chooses to send us. — Anne and Dan

Two Crazy Days

Monday morning Dan, all excited, phoned, “The oncologist said I can go home!  Come get me!” We rushed around getting the house ready for Dan, packed clean clothes to bring him home in, and happily drove to the hospital.  Guess what?…By the time we got there, the Plastic Surgery Team have vetoed the plan.  Instead, they had finally paid attention to what I’d been saying since last Wednesday,”Dan has a leak.”  Late Monday afternoon, a Wound Vac was put on the opening where 2 stitches had come loose in Dan’s new flap.

We were told at the time that they’d order a Wound Vac Tuesday morning for Dan to take home…and that  it’d take 3 days after it was ordered to get a Wound Vac.  Can you guess who was not happy?  I said, “He has been in this hospital 3 weeks. And now you are telling me that he has to stay here the rest of this week just to get the Wound Vac???”  Long story short, Scott stepped in, was very polite, and the Wound Vac was delivered today at noon.

The next challenge was to find an RN Wound Vac Specialist to oome to the house 3 times a week to change the sponge.  The Home Health services said they did not service that area…it was too far away.  Finally, I got the attention of the people, and said, “Montara is between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay…30 minutes from this hospital.”  They were so surprised!  An agency has promised to change the sponge 3 times a week.  We plan to bring Dan home Wednesday, 1 p.m.  After two crazy days where so many things went wrong, do you think we’ll get him back Wednesday? Does it matter?

Maybe what is more important to think about is, “Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.”  Colossians 3:2, and “Grace to you and peace to you from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:2 — Anne and Dan

Dan May Get to Come Home Today

PRAISE GOD! DAN MAY GET TO COME HOME TODAY!  The battle with cancer is not over – 2 nodules in his lungs, and only God knows if the radiation killed the cancer cells in his leg artery, but he is feeling well, can walk 250′ with a walker, can climb 12 steps and can come back here!  We’re waiting for the “go-ahead” from the chief oncologist!

Please, keep praying that God will remove all cancer cells from Dan’s body, grant him good health, and many more productive years in the Lord’s service.  —  Anne

Sometimes Reports Are Hard to Read

How can I say this and be kind, or better yet, not look stupid?  The doctor’s 4 page report stated,”A CT Scan on December of 2008 was personally reviewed and we do see the presence of a mass.  We also see the presence of a 14 mm left upper lobe medial nodule in the chest.  The mass is now 10 cm (5″) and appears somewhat more solid.”

In rereading this several times, now I am thinking that sentence about the nodule had nothing to do with the two sentences referring to the mass (which was removed last week).  So, now my question is, “Why did the Dr. not mention the size to which the nodule has grown since the Dec.,’08 CT Scan?”  By saying he sees the presence of a mass, then writing about the 14 mm nodule, then saying the mass is now 10 cm…that threw me into a panic.  

How was I to know the Dr. meant the mass in sentence one was the 10 cm (5″) mass he was talking about in the 3rd sentence. Right now, I am thankful to know that the 5″ mass is gone.  We do know there are two  small nodules in Dan’s left lung.  We do not know the present size, nor what the next step is.

We celebrate that today in addition to walking 250′ Dan climbed 12 stairs!  As far as the physical therapist is concerned, Dan is ready to go home.  However…don’t you hate the “howevers?”  As I was saying, “However,” two stitches on the flap pulled loose.  The flap is leaking body fluid.  It took the nursing staff 3 days to decide there was a problem with the flap…and report it to the plastic surgery team. It would have been nice if we had thought to tell the Plastic Surgeon.

Dan’s siblings go home Monday morning.  I’ll drive to the hospital in the little Geo loaned to us.  And, we will decide minute by minute if we are going to continue to trust God to keep His promises that everything is going to be okay.  II Thessalonians 2:13-3:5 is worth reading.  II Thess. 3:3 says, “But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” — Anne and Dan

Dan the Man Who Climbed 12 Steps!

Family

Dan’s brother, James, and sisters, Mignon, and Bonny arrived Thursday to help take care of Dan.  They each took turns staying with Dan both day and night.  Why did they come all the way from Oklahoma to lend a hand when they have some loved ones back home who need their care?  Some of you know the answer immediately. They love us and want to do what they can to encourage Dan, and offer rest to the others of the family here who are stretched to the limit.

The positive effect upon Dan is beautiful to see.  He immediately began to need less pain medication.  He began taking a few steps with a walker.  Today, he walked 250′ without stopping, and climbed up four steps. The doctors are talking about letting him come home soon.

Our joy at his progress is tempered by the written report we received today that Dan has a 5″ sarcoma in his left lung.  Once Dan is stronger, Dr. T. Jahan, one of the top sarcoma specialists in the world, will discuss the next step in his plan to rid Dan’s body of cancer.  Also, Dr. O. Carl Simonton, has returned from his lecture tour in Europe, and will be coaching Dan in using Guided Imagery to awaken the body’s immune system to do the job God created it for…to defeat illness in our body.

“Look to me for cure, for rest, for Peace.” is the sentence that spoke to me so strongly tonight as I read from God Calling, by A.J. Russell.  The Scriptures God brought to mind are the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:1-12.  It concludes with “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven…” Matthew 5:10 – 12. — Anne and Dan

Dan Continues to Improve

We celebrate that Dan walked 75′ today using a walker!  He sat up to eat his meals.  Well, yes, he was very tired after all of that, but he did it!  The hospital Social Worker gave us a list of nursing homes to move Dan to for Physical Therapy.  He has to learn to use his right leg, and build his body back up. After Dan’s 1st surgery in Jan. ’08, our Dr. in NRH said she did not want Dan in a nursing home, because there are so many ill people in nursing homes.  In his weakened condition, he might pick up something from one of the sick patients.

So, here’s some specific prayer requests – that God remove all cancer cells from Dan’s body, that God provide a safe rehab place for Dan.  Requests for me?  Today was anything but a day off.  Please, ask God to help me stay well, get rested, and that God provide what He knows we need.  Right now, I must confess, I’m afraid He knows we need more faith, more trust in Him, more strength to fight off Satan to name just a few things.  The only way to get those kinds of things is to go through the fires of trial after trial.  

Sherrie H. reminded us, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear [reverence] him…he delivers them.  Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him” (Psalm 34:7,8).  “In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them.  In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old” (Isaiah 63:9).  And, “In him was life, and that life was the light of men.  The light shines in the darkness…He came to that which was his own…to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God…and born of God.  The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth…From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another (John 1:4-16).” — Anne and Dan

Focus on the Positive

Have you ever noticed that when the sun is shining brightly , there are lots of shadows?  “Yes, though I travel through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil.” How can that be?   You cannot have shadows unless there is light somewhere to cast a shadow. Is it possible in the middle of the darkest hour, Jesus is near? 

Our hours are very dark. Sarcomas are still in Dan’s body. But we choose today to focus our eyes upon Jesus and the many blessings He continues to send our way.  Dan was able to sit up on the side of the bed, then using a walker, walked about 4′ to a chair where he sat to eat his lunch.  He was exhausted, but he had a good nap after that.

His siblings, James, Mignon and Bonny, arrived this afternoon.  They are taking turns helping Dan. Bonny is spending the night in Dan’s room tonight.  I am actually off duty from 3:30 on.  It is so nice.  Friday I have a ride to go visit Dan and his siblings for a couple of hours.  Then, friends will pick me up and bring me back here.  Maybe I’ll take a long nap.  Maybe if the day is rain free, I’ll spend a few hours on the beach. I don’t have any plans!

Meanwhile, the doctors and physical therapists are deciding if Dan can leave the hospital next week- maybe go to a rehabilitation unit for a week or more.  Once Dan is stronger, the doctors will begin to treat the sarcomas still in hi body.

Having fallen asleep  writing the blog, I have been told it’s time to go to bed.  That’s a good idea. God bless yo. — Anne and Dan

Remember This…

Just at the moment that I feel like I cannot manage one more step on this dark and rocky path, Vicki W. strengthens me with these words, “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”  2 Chronicles 16:9
 
“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.  For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”  2 Chronicles 20:15.  I never knew the meaning of tired until now.  Satan wants me to sink into the Black Hole.  But the battle against the cancers in Dan’s body is not mine.  it is the Lord’s.  I cannot fight any longer.  It is not my battle.  It is the Lord’s.  It is time to surrender to God again.  He will provide the help we need.  How many times do we fall into the Black Hole simply because we do not turn to God soon enough and let Him work things out for us? — Anne and Dan